A neon-soaked masterclass in 80s-inspired synth-pop. Shimmering textures and breathless vocals capture the precise, agonizing rush of modern romantic yearning.
It's the greatest 80s pop album that wasn't actually made in the 80s.
An ecstatic, neon-lit rush of romantic obsession and late-night longing.
E•MO•TION represents a pivotal shift for Carly Rae Jepsen, moving from the 'bubblegum' associations of her breakout hit 'Call Me Maybe' toward a sophisticated, critic-approved synth-pop sound. Recorded over several years with over 250 songs written, the final 18-track deluxe edition is a curated exploration of 1980s influences. Jepsen notably bypassed traditional pop hitmakers in favor of indie stalwarts like Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend), and Ariel Rechtshaid. This collaboration resulted in a record that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. While it famously underperformed commercially upon release, it achieved immediate 'cult classic' status, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and among music critics who praised its craftsmanship. The album's legacy is defined by its role in the 'poptimism' movement, proving that mainstream pop could be intellectually rigorous and emotionally complex without losing its infectious hooks.
Put this on for
Windows down, city lights blurring, singing until your throat achesMirror-facing hairbrush solo while the pre-game text thread blows upThat specific 2am ceiling-stare when a crush feels like a crisisNeon-lit convenience store run for snacks you don't actually needEarbuds in on the last train home, feeling like a movie protagonistKitchen floor dance party for one while the pasta water boilsRain-streaked taxi window reflection after a night that ended too soon
Moments worth waiting for
The explosive, reverberating saxophone blast that opens the album on Run Away With Me.
The transition into the slow-burn, Prince-inspired groove of All That with its deep, resonant bass.
The glitchy, pulsating synth textures on Warm Blood that veer into experimental electronic territory.
Sounds like
2015s production with a 1980s soul
Sits beside
1989 - Taylor Swift, Days Are Gone - HAIM, Cupid Deluxe - Blood Orange, Honey - Robyn
Lyrical territory
love_romantic, love_lost, nostalgia
03Deviation
E•MO•TION · vs · Carly Rae Jepsen
Artist
This Album
Euphoric
Mood · ↑ +10% more than usual
On this album, euphoric sits about 10% more prominent than across the rest of the artist's catalogue.
